Schrade Swinden Key Adventure

[herbva]

This knife came with a group of other inexpensive knives I bought recently from a fellow AAPK member. The clip was very loose but the pen was nice and tight and I thought I remembered that Schrades made after a certain date were made with the Swinden key, rather than the conventional pinned arrangement. In addition, under a magnifier, I couldn't find any evidence of the outline of pin heads showing on any of the bolsters, so I mistakenly assumed it had the Swinden key setup. It needed a full restoration and cleaning so I decided to take it apart. I took out the rocker (center) pin and tried every way conceivable to twist or pull it apart, but no dice. Fortunately, I didn't crack the scales. I finally tried my usual dissaembly method and guess what - no Swinden key! Just conventional pins. Attached are pics of the final outcome. I am not a Schrade collector even though many have passed through my hands, but I think this one may be my first Schrade keeper. I really like the peachseed jigging and slotted bolsters and it is tight and snappy now. I've been looking for this one in my reference books and I think it might be a model 294. Can anyone tell me if that is correct, and the approximate age of this knife? Best regards all. Herb

[orvet]

The Swindon system was introduced about 1961 and Schrade knives with stamp Schrade Walden until 1973. Most any non Swindon Schrade slipjoint you find will be a Schrade Walden.
There are certain lock backs that are made with the Swindon system or have a partial Swindon system.

[ea42]

Herb, that knife was made right around the late 1940's to early 1950's. The swinden key wasn't put into use until around 1961. In general none of those original peach seed bone knives had the swinden key, or new construction as it was called in the factory. They all had pinned construction.

Eric

[ea42]

Oops Dale, we must have been typing at the same time LOL!

Eric

[Meridian_Mike]

Nice find!
Great job on the restore.

[Doc B]

Nice looking knife!

[orvet]

Oops Dale, we must have been typing at the same time LOL!

Eric

As long as what I posted agrees with what you posted Eric, then I know I'm right!

[Colonel26]

It’s a fantastic old Schrade! I love everything about it.

[Reverand]

Beautiful knife!

[Jtabor]

It's definitely an old school 294. It's my favorite Schrade pattern and very hard to find.

GEC paid homage to it with their slim dogleg jack.

Beautiful old knife.

[Jtabor]

It's definitely an old school 294. It's my favorite Schrade pattern and very hard to find.

GEC paid homage to it with their slim dogleg jack.

Beautiful old knife.

[Nev52]

Really nice job Herb. I can see why you would want to keep it.

Nev